Wanted: install feedback on SW's entire exhaust system

[Zack]

I have a local members car over for SW headers and full exhaust, with cats
Headers went on fine.
Got started assembling the lead pipes to the x, attempted to slip the assembly into the cats, but it was no where near wide enough to accomplish.
I spent over an hour trying different pipe angles and depths....but the max width I could achieve was 23" to 23.5" with the pipes tweaked as far as they would go.
I then took an outer edge to outer edge measurement of the headers and got 25". 2" difference is huge. Not happening essentially.

So I sent the lead pipes and x into SW for a quality check. Took 5 days and they said they are fine. Ok then.

So I had another member take a header measurement....25" there too. And then he told me it took hours to get it to fit with hammers and 2x4's

So now I'm F'ed. I have the guys car hostage with parts that don't fit.
Can anyone else relate to this issue?

Thanks in advance

[justbob]

You can say my name. [emoji6]

My X pipe fitment was a JOKE. And yes, after trimming some here, cheating the depth of fitment there, 4# hammer, torch, and 2X4 wedging off the frame I finally got it to fit.. The tailpipes needed some tweaking as well, not too mention trying to keep them from hitting the watts link.

I know of a couple of other guys that are no strangers to exhaust that struggled as well. I've put HUNDREDS of exhaust systems in as a full time job for years so I think I know a few good tricks.

For the price, it is a joke.

Now enter all the others that had no issues..

Fact is they are not all arriving the exact same. Some of us had to really struggle.


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[MOTOWN]

Stainless works headers are excellent! That exhaust system your dealing with is garbage at best!
It's going to take heat , and a lot of cursing to get to an acceptable point , and you will be in for a couple other treats when the muffler hanger/clamp assembly on the drivers side is about 2" too short , and then when you think you have the tailpipes perfect after the first heat cycle there going to be all over the bumper cover!

[sailsmen]

Their Jig went Jiggy.

[Chi Stallion]

I'm very disappointed in SW full exhaust system and feel like they should never sell their crappy exhaust system to any Marauder brother or sister again. Since they are vendors on mm.net they should be held responsible for doing shady business and I will report them to the BBB.

Zack has done everything he could at this point to get them to fix their mess and they still wanna play innocent and screw ppl like me over who don't deserve this.
I really would appreciate it if the Marauder community would boycott their exhaust kit. I don't wanna see this happen to nobody else I guess I would rather be the example.

[Zack]

I put this post up to get honest feedback, not start a witch hunt.
Just be cool. Everything always works out

[fairlane347]

I have the complete system also, but no cats on mine. My X-pipe fit ok, the loop over the watts link is too close and took some playing with to not get a rattle. Also from the headers to the muffler should be one or two pieces not the handle full of short connections they gave me. I did get it to tuck under car fairly well after some work then I put a tack weld on some of the connections that I know I don't ever need to take off because those band clamps don't hold tight enough over time. Last gripe is the hanger rods they welded on the clamp back at the muffler were too short I added a few inches of matching round bar so it would not slip out of the rubber hangers.
I still love the sound of the exhaust, just should have fit MUCH nicer for that kind of money.

[Blown3.8]

Same story here. The biggest gripe i had was the clamps not holding tight like Fairlane said. Had to tack weld stuff together. I found that the lap joint clamps worked the best, but that adds a bunch of extra cost.

Like these.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSCVPc_2yr fqNTYfso7NkBdlS3ZFg9EtTGzgigQm fR19mnqf0UR7Y4FG4JAyZfdmpiopM7 UdOA&usqp=CAE

[sailsmen]

I'm very disappointed in SW full exhaust system and feel like they should never sell their crappy exhaust system to any Marauder brother or sister again. Since they are vendors on mm.net they should be held responsible for doing shady business and I will report them to the BBB.

Zack has done everything he could at this point to get them to fix their mess and they still wanna play innocent and screw ppl like me over who don't deserve this.
I really would appreciate it if the Marauder community would boycott their exhaust kit. I don't wanna see this happen to nobody else I guess I would rather be the example.

I assume you have spoken to them? Maybe send them a vid?

[8UWITH6]

It would not be fun if it fit the 1st time right? Welcome to aftermarket parts. Good luck to both the owner and the installer. ;) Seriously, I hope you get it figured out. I have no input other than this. AKA I am a cheerleader. Go team!

[Zack]

SW has read this post and take this issue seriously.
They are trying to find a stock Marauder or one that has SW headers already installed for R&D.

They are located east of Cleveland Ohio.

If anyone is willing to lend their car, please message me or them.

Thanks in advance.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I texted 2mercs and Adam..both are in this area. Mine has Kooks, Trilogy etc..

[2mercs]

I called will know more this afternoon.

manger une bite

[badass mm]

stock sounds great y change

[2,4shofast]

stock sounds great y change

This post has absolutely nothing to do with this thread. :banned:

Zack, please keep us in the loop on what SW is planning to do to fix this.

[a_d_a_m]

I sent SW a message. Depending on how long they need the car, I may be willing to help.

[Seneca]

Mine fit like crap too, hence me not recommending the exhaust to anyone, it was a nightmare, mine was part of a group buy from, FIT Greg back in the day so they didn't offer to help me, sucks it still hasn't changed that was probably 7 years ago or more.. the headers are perfect. Hopefully everything gets resolved

[Chi Stallion]

I sent SW a message. Depending on how long they need the car, I may be willing to help. Hey Adam that's very kind of you willing to do that, it would really help me a lot and save me a road trip into going to Cleveland. I'm very thankful of that offer and I will return the favor. I love the Marauder community. Eveybody here has a heart of gold when it comes to helping a fellow Marauder brother out.

[a_d_a_m]

2mercs was first to message, so I'll let him have first crack.

[Lowndex]

I believe Stainless Works (SW) is and has been aware of Marauder fit issues. My hope is SW makes necessary changes toward a true direct fit. Any owner willing to loan their car for said purpose deserves our appreciation. That said, I will donate $50 to such an owner (cover gas and time spent).

[2mercs]

I'm waiting to hear back from SW now.

manger une bite

[Comin' in Hot]

Their headers fit awesome, but the rest of the exhaust was a nightmare to install and I could never get it to stay tight.

[Lowndex]

I'm waiting to hear back from SW now.

manger une bite

If you loan SW your ride, please take me up on my offer.

[Lowndex]

Did a simple Google search for "stainless works exhaust install problems" and found Marauder owners are not alone with install frustration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QelgVAdQ9X0

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?950878-Stainless-works-exhaust-problems

http://www.ctsvowners.com/forum/6-exhaust/10915-stainless-works-install-issues.html

http://www.ctsvowners.com/forum/6-exhaust/4940-stainless-works-sucks.html

All that matters is will SW help address the low quality clamps and fitment changes needed for our Marauders. With all the Crown Vics and Marauders on the road, .........

[justbob]

My first, only, and last call to them was for a replacement clamp and to ask why the muffler hangers were so short.

They were a bit short with me on the hanger but sent a new clamp. One of the muffler hangers broke off and is now long gone but I'm not about to call back.


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[sailsmen]

To clarify the HEADERS are great.

The rest of the exhaust kit is............?

[Zack]

To clarify the HEADERS are great.

The rest of the exhaust kit is............?

Go away. Not necessary

[Spectragod]

Besides.....my MM is pretty much a beater, I can't imagine they would want a DTR in their shop.....

[RubberCtyRauder]

Besides.....my MM is pretty much a beater, I can't imagine they would want a DTR in their shop.....

Your M&M? hard candy DTR shell?

[tbone]

Clearing the Watts link was an extraordinary PITA and should never have gotten past the original R&D.

[ShadyLurker]

I'm starting to gather parts to throw at my car. Kinda disappointed to hear about fitment issues with their exhaust. Is there an alternative?

[Zack]

I'm starting to gather parts to throw at my car. Kinda disappointed to hear about fitment issues with their exhaust. Is there an alternative?


SW has read this post and take this issue seriously.
They are trying to find a stock Marauder or one that has SW headers already installed for R&D.

They are located east of Cleveland Ohio.

If anyone is willing to lend their car, please message me or them.

Thanks in advance.


No one reads anymore.

[Spectragod]

No one reads anymore.



Pretty much how it is anymore.....


Sent from my iPhone while doing a big ole' smokey burnout in my wife's Prius.

[Taemian]

To clarify the HEADERS are great.

The rest of the exhaust kit is............?

I agree! Back in 2008, I started a Group Buy for SW exhaust stuff, had about 25 members buy stuff when all was said and done. I got headers and high flow cats. The headers were easy install (compared to Kooks) but the cats fell apart and blew out within 7k miles.

Exact same thing happened to at least two other members, SW said basically "It must be your tune".

Then, even with a 30 plus page Group Buy ordering thread up here, they said they could find no record of my purchase.

Another local member got the full exhaust system but replaced all except the headers within three weeks because the sound was so obnoxious to him. We had a dyno day, and it seemed SW had replaced his mufflers with ampliers with a really hideous tone.:puke:

So, respectfully Zack, no. Things don't always work out.

[Spectragod]

I agree! Back in 2008, I started a Group Buy for SW exhaust stuff, had about 25 members buy stuff when all was said and done. I got headers and high flow cats. The headers were easy install (compared to Kooks) but the cats fell apart and blew out within 7k miles.



Exact same thing happened to at least two other members, SW said basically "It must be your tune".



Then, even with a 30 plus page Group Buy ordering thread up here, they said they could find no record of my purchase.



Another local member got the full exhaust system but replaced all except the headers within three weeks because the sound was so obnoxious to him. We had a dyno day, and it seemed SW had replaced his mufflers with ampliers with a really hideous tone.:puke:



So, respectfully Zack, no. Things don't always work out.



I got my headers and cats off that group buy, good times..


Sent from my iPhone while doing a big ole' smokey burnout in my wife's Prius.

[2,4shofast]

I got my headers and cats off that group buy, good times..


Sent from my iPhone while doing a big ole' smokey burnout in my wife's Prius.


Time flies when you are having fun, it really doesn't seem that long ago.

[Spectragod]

Time flies when you are having fun, it really doesn't seem that long ago.



Yeah, no kidding. I can remember when I brought my car home, it had a Lidio tune and cai. And I thought....... I'm not as impressed as I thought I would be. Now clearly had the car had been any other color......I would have just posted all over the Internet how fast it was and how everyone else owned junk.......but since I'm not that guy.......I just made mine faster, still a DTR, so it's pretty and fast, not black,silver or blue like a million other police cars.

But I do have a love for all the colors, mostly the DPB..........I saw one at Woodward last year that just ticked every box for me.........

Future plans for mine..... I'm going to make it a P71 clone...[emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone while doing a big ole' smokey burnout in my wife's Prius.

[8UWITH6]

Yeah, no kidding. I can remember when I brought my car home, it had a Lidio tune and cai. And I thought....... I'm not as impressed as I thought I would be. Now clearly had the car had been any other color......I would have just posted all over the Internet how fast it was and how everyone else owned junk.......but since I'm not that guy.......I just made mine faster, still a DTR, so it's pretty and fast, not black,silver or blue like a million other police cars.

But I do have a love for all the colors, mostly the DPB..........I saw one at Woodward last year that just ticked every box for me.........

Future plans for mine..... I'm going to make it a P71 clone...[emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone while doing a big ole' smokey burnout in my wife's Prius.

Had no idea it made that kind of impression on you............. seriously. That was a fun trip!

[lji372]

Had no idea it made that kind of impression on you............. seriously. That was a fun trip!

Don't flatter yourself, he was talking about the dirty one in the garage :P:P

[Turbov6Bryan]

Don't flatter yourself, he was talking about the dirty one in the garage :P:P

Lol. Too funny

I was gonna say in a Mike Tyson voice .... Now kith

[Spectragod]

Don't flatter yourself, he was talking about the dirty, paint de-laminating one in the garage :P:P

Fixed it for you!

[ShadyLurker]

No one reads anymore.

Yeah. I read the whole thread. I wasn't about to hop in my car and drive 16 hours to lend my car the SW. No need to be a douche bag.

[Spectragod]

Had no idea it made that kind of impression on you............. seriously. That was a fun trip!

I didn't want to name names, the paint on yours is gorgeous.;)

[Spectragod]

............

[VMARAUDER]

I am a bit late on this like said earlier the headers went on great ( Zack ) and I got the rest of the exhaust later,\. Attempted to do myself and it was no way I could get the X pipe to mate up with the rest of the exhaust and I too sent the X pipe back to SW ant they said it was fine. Took it to Velasquez Muffler on Belmont in Chicago and they got it on pretty easily. I still think it should fit a bit better...just a bit

[martyo]

Just curious, but are you guys using a lift when you do the installs, or are you laying on your backs?

[justbob]

Lift. I would have demanded a refund without one.


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[tbone]

Lift. I would have demanded a refund without one.


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Amen to that.

[VMARAUDER]

turns
out that Velasquez used a lift and 2 or 3 jack stands

[Zack]

I was able to get the exhaust system installed onto George's car yesterday.

This is a tough job, even for an experienced wrench like me.
There is so much room for error, and just learning what the pipes do when the clamps are tightened was a real eye opener for me.

It was very difficult to get everything nice and perfect, because one piece can affect everything down the line.
The drivers side exhaust hanger was still very wrong, despite the engineer finding nothing wrong with it. I'm not sure how having to add 2+" falls into the nothing wrong category, but ok. The passenger side hanger was also a tad too short IMHO. The hangers are just round stock that slides into the rubber. They need to have a hook bent into them, so they cannot slip out.

If SW could come up with some sort of alignment system to make the installers life easy, that would be excellent.
Almost like a dot on one pipe, matching up to the mating pipe. I know it would not be perfect and foolproof because cars can be different.....but It would help the average do-it-yourselfer get a solid starting point for pipe alignment.

I'm glad this is over.

[2mercs]

Glad you got it sorted out Zack. They still have my car. Should be home later this week.

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[justbob]

Most people know to do a full mock up with adjustable jacks and start snugging front to back like I'm sure you did.

You should not have to go thru what I did trying to get it to fit on a lift with telescoping screw jacks.


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[Zack]

I really feel bad for the owner of this car.
He just told me he hit a bump and the driver side muffler fell clean off the car.
I put that exhaust system through a full heat cycle, let it cool down then tightened every single clamp with a 20 inch breaker bar.
What a shame

[sailsmen]

Makes me think back to the 1970's when we would go to a muffler shop and have a custom system from the header or manifold bent up all the way to the tips in less than a day.

[Comin' in Hot]

I really feel bad for the owner of this car.
He just told me he hit a bump and the driver side muffler fell clean off the car.
I put that exhaust system through a full heat cycle, let it cool down then tightened every single clamp with a 20 inch breaker bar.
What a shame

I had the passenger side tailpipe fall off, but I did not lose it. Then when I sold the system the next owner lost the driver side tailpipe and SW wanted stupid money to replace it.

[justbob]

I really feel bad for the owner of this car.

He just told me he hit a bump and the driver side muffler fell clean off the car.

I put that exhaust system through a full heat cycle, let it cool down then tightened every single clamp with a 20 inch breaker bar.

What a shame



How did it not break? I snugged mine down too much because the one tailpipe refused to tighten up and the clamp broke!

Did I mention I haven't had a drivers side hanger in well over a year now? Yup, the weld to the clamp broke free and it's laying out on the road somewhere..


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[1stMerc]

Just curious, but are you guys using a lift when you do the installs, or are you laying on your backs?

On back, going thru it now.

[Seneca]

My tail pipes to muffler were over expanded and I couldn't get my clamps tight, broke a bolt. Ended up having to use the crappie u Bolt crimp clamps, which I will redo now that I have the means to do so

[Mr. Man]

Shame so many have had issues with the system. Now that it's supposedly fixed, I wonder if SW will apologize and comment on what they did to make the system bolt up correctly now that they have had a chance to allegedly get it right.

[Zack]

Shame so many have had issues with the system. Now that it's supposedly fixed, I wonder if SW will apologize and comment on what they did to make the system bolt up correctly now that they have had a chance to allegedly get it right.

From what I was told, only the X-pipe was to blame.

I really think this setup needs Lap Joint Band clamps, vs. the Accuseal Band clamps provided

[justbob]

V band preferable or some kind of means to remove the X.


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[Logizyme]

A few less pieces would be a good way to improve. As you said Zack if they marked each piece where it met the next it would be easier to get they system where it is suppose to be, but they would not need to do that very much if the system was not nearly 20 separate pieces. The factory complete exhaust system, manifold to tip is only 7 pieces.

Why not build it to more resemble the factory system. Make the header one piece all the way down and use a flange. From the flange make your one piece crossover and mid-section pipe. Mufflers. One piece for each side over-axle and tail.

It might make installation slightly tougher having to lower the axle completely to install the one piece over-axle/tails but it would save all the freaking hassle that we are discussing in this thread.

I hardly ever drive my car since putting the SW kit on because I'm half worried it'll fall off and half annoyed by the off the charts drone. I too installed it myself on a lift and am an experienced tech.

[Turbov6Bryan]

V band for the win
These would look nice on Chris curless GNX

[Blown3.8]

I really think this setup needs Lap Joint Band clamps, vs. the Accuseal Band clamps provided

Yes! I learned after Sherm's system. And told Merc to order the lap band clamps. Mercs went on smooth with those.

You don't wanna see the ghetto stuff I have holding Sherm's mufflers up with. His popped off on a hard launch at the strip once.

[1stMerc]

Did any one else have problems with egr tube connecting. Tube on header was at the wrong angle by about a quarter inch. After long while of on and off testing finally got the two together.
Curious what others did to get it to work.

[Zack]

I've always had to lay the egr tube on the ground and stand on it to bend it.
Then I have to remove the egr, thread it in then bend it over with a bar to get the holes to line up

[1stMerc]

Then I have to remove the egr, thread it in then bend it over with a bar to get the holes to line up

That's the other half of the equation I have to do tomorrow.

[MOTOWN]

V band for the win
These would look nice on Chris curless GNX

This exactly why I built a true 3" stainless steel exhaust with vband clamps through out the entire exhaust, the way it should have been done.

[Turbov6Bryan]

For the amount they want for a exhaust system, a guy could buy a tig welder, rent a lift, and hack away at some prebent J tubes to make a v band system

And have money left over

[justbob]

Did any one else have problems with egr tube connecting. Tube on header was at the wrong angle by about a quarter inch. After long while of on and off testing finally got the two together.
Curious what others did to get it to work.



Honestly Waymon, mine lined right up. But keep in mind it was the Trilogy one that's flexible. I don't have one with the ProCharger.


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[Chi Stallion]

Spoke with Robert at Stainless works today and they take this issue serious and whoever has had any trouble with their exhaust fitment to give them a call, they wanna hear everybody's opinion on this matter. We all gota come together and give them a call, even if you had to resolve the problem on your own, it will still makes a big difference so the R&D can finally get this problem solved once and for all.



1800 878 3635 ask for Robert.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161003/a125b98a89d116ff2c274dc89b2492 80.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161003/b21e483ae7ae6c4e3c9088de9fc7e6 ee.jpg

[GreekGod]

Wow! ... I looked into driving to Cleveland and getting their exhaust/headers when they offered free installation with a system purchase. I saw they sold band clamps for the joints (a very bad idea). V band clamps or ball and cone are to only way to go, unless making a welded joint.

re:
http://www.spintechmufflers.com/exhaust-hardware-accessories/ball-cone-adaptors-connections/abc2525-ball-/-cone-adaptor-2-1/2-i-d-o-d-/prod_808.html

My experience with band clamps raised a red flag. They are (at best) a temporary "fix". As others have mentioned, they always loosen up over time, especially with any weight added to the joint from the system. There are band clamps available with windows in it, for tack welding a joint during fitment. About the only time I will ever use them again.

At one time I messaged them for a price on just the 2 1/2" tailpipes. I think they wanted $300, and with the lack of clearance with the OEM pipes to the Watts link, I figured it would not be worth the hassle.

[1968F100]

I think I read the entire thread, and if MM.net is like other forums, I apologize for bringing this back from the dead, but being a new owner, I am trying to do my research on various aftermarket "Improvements."

That said, "Did SW get their issues with the exhaust fixed?"

Perhaps there is a related thread I have yet to read.
Thanks and again my apologies.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I think I read the entire thread, and if MM.net is like other forums, I apologize for bringing this back from the dead, but being a new owner, I am trying to do my research on various aftermarket "Improvements."

That said, "Did SW get their issues with the exhaust fixed?"

Perhaps there is a related thread I have yet to read.
Thanks and again my apologies.

They did make some changes after MV14 tour while a members car was there to see the issues..Mostly with some fit/alinment issues. Some dealt with widened rear wheels and metco watts link. They have not changed their clamping systems as far as I know.

[GreekGod]

... They have not changed their clamping systems as far as I know.

It's good that they address some problem areas, but using band clamps instead of (the far superior) V band clamps and (and/or ball and cone at the collector) is probably because all of the bends and cuts would require a new welding fixture and new programming for their bender.

Also, the v-band clamps could add considerable expense (they are pricey)

=